“Just remembered something, that’s all,” Tala said, then smiled weakly. “I’ll be back pretty quick, just need to take care of this.”

“Go ahead,” Matt murmured, staring into the fire. Hecate bit her lip.

Tala watched them both for a few seconds, then nodded. “Right. I’ll be back.”

Hecate watched her go, heart feeling like lead in her chest. She exhaled, looking toward Matt. “You know why she left.”

“Because she forgot something,” he said, his voice low, his gaze still on the flickering flames. Hecate’s heart gave a painful squeeze.

“She didn’t want to watch us fight,” Hecate said, her throat tightening. “I don’t want to fight, either, but I will if I have to. I love you too much to watch you beat yourself up over something that isn’t your fault.”

He took a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut again. Hecate leaned against him again, biting her lip.